The provision, written by Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., could have ramifications beyond simply requiring someone to ensure that the names and ages of actors who partake in pretend lovemaking as compliance with Section 2257 in effect defines a movie or TV show as a pornographic work under federal law. Industry sources say the provision was included in the bill at the behest of the Justice Department.
It is unclear why Justice wants 2257 to be expanded; calls to the department have gone unreturned. According to a copy of the department's 2004 report to Congress, 2257 is little used by the department. According to the report, the department prosecuted five 2257 violations from 1993-2004. The prosecutions were not directly attributable to inspections of 2257 forms but from other means, mostly search warrants executed by the FBI.
What is Section 2257?
Glad you asked.
Under the record-keeping requirement known as Section 2257 -- named for its citation in federal law -- any filmed sexual activity requires an affidavit that lists the names and ages of the actors who engage in the act. The film is required to have a video label that claims compliance with the law and lists where the custodian of the records can be found. Violators could spend five years in jail.
OK, fair enough. It makes sense for porn films to certify that no child's behind is being used, but where does this bill draw the line? Simulated sex? Is this person suggesting that child rapes are routinely portrayed on screen? Wouldn't a simple scan of any gossip column give the information he's asking for?
Why do Republicans hate freedom so much? Why do they want government to police everything?
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